The Oklahoma City Thunder open the defense of their first NBA title Tuesday night when they host the Houston Rockets.

The Thunder return almost all of their roster from last season's team that won 68 games in the regular season, posted the best scoring margin in league history and ultimately beat Indiana in seven games in the NBA Finals.

Before the game, the Thunder will hold a ring ceremony honoring the title team.

"I can't wait," reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Just to have the official piece of hardware that I dreamed about for so many years from my childhood and growing up."

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said locking in on the game could be an issue.

"A great thing for everybody, the fans, and everything," Daigneault said. "But it is a distraction.

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